The temporo-spatial localization of polymorphonuclear cells related to the neurovascular unit after transient focal cerebral ischemia.

Inflammatory responses after cerebral ischemia are important for the development of final infarct size but the role of polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) is still a matter of debate, since previously used antibodies were recently declared as non-specific. In the present study, we investigated the temporo-spatial localization of PMN related to the neurovascular unit using specific antibodies, 7/4 and Ly6G, and application of G-CSF to induce proliferation and mobilization of PMN precursors after transient focal cerebral ischemia in mice. Infarct volumes, sensorimotor function, neurological outcome and immunohistochemical analysis of PMN were performed after G-CSF administration or placebo treatment.